We had the good fortune of connecting with Stewart Tuttle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stewart, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work-life balance has changed so much throughout the years. To me balance is one of the hardest things about what I do (Balance in life in general is tricky). I have been in a long term relationship for over 15 years and have always done my best to make time for my significant other. the best thing for me at this point in my life is to take weekends off. During the week I will go all out. 60-70 hours a week is not uncommon. I have learned over the years that this time off helps me recharge and help me be at my best when I am working with artists. Its very easy to want to work 7 days a week but it is just as easy to burn out. My heart and brain fight each other all the time with the concept of balance. I constantly have to reevaluate how I am performing and the direction that I need to take regarding balance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I wear many hats. The biggest being the owner of my recording studio The Altar. Getting this business off the ground and flourishing is probably my biggest achievement to date. Aside from being the owner I am the head engineer,  producer, artist and guitarist. Most of my time is spent working with artists and helping them with their music. My own artistry has been on the back burner for a while. Still trying to figure out a balance for this. In 2020 I worked with hundreds of artists and worked on over 1000 records, the most music I have ever touched in my entire life! Getting to this point has been the my life’s work and has consumed me since I was 12 years old. It has been the furthest thing from easy, at the same time so rewarding. Mental strength is the most important thing in this game. I’ve taken countless losses and continue to. Bouncing back and moving forward is the hardest thing. Losses make you want to give up and do something else, something more stable. Whenever I got to that point I was never able to imagine myself doing anything other than music. That’s why I kept going, that’s why I keep going, there is no other option. Music is my life, it is who I am, it runs in my blood, it is my religion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This one is a little tricky due to COVID times but pre-COVID I would say Hit up Manhattan Beach, hike Runyon Canyon, see a show literally anywhere. Gotta go see the observatory, catch a pro sports game depending on the season, a comedy show at the laugh factory, LACMA and the Getty are some dope museums to visit. A night of bar hopping in Hollywood is also a great time. Breakfast at the Griddle in WEHO, lunch at The fresh Corn Grill in WEHO and the dinner at The Stinking Rose, all Vibes!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that deserve a small shoutout to my success. In the course of my 15 year career there have been at least a hundred different people who have supported, encouraged me, and helped me get to where I am today. My parents, teachers, mentors, friends, family members, and people who I have never met that have inspired me to achieve greater. I did not get here by myself. The person that sticks out most for me is my wife. She has been with me almost since the beginning of my musical journey. She has always supported and challenged me to be my best. She has been there with me through all of my struggles and accomplishments. She is also one of the hardest workers I know. Watching her achieve success has always inspired me to be at the top of my game. Together we have risen. The other little shoutout would have to go to Rick Rubin. His school of thought on music and life is unmatched.

Website: thealtarsudiosla.com

Instagram: instagram.com/1stewarttuttle

Twitter: twitter.com/stewarttuttle

Facebook: facebook.com/stewarttuttle

Youtube: youtube.com/stewarttuttle

Image Credits
Ellen Tuttle, Stewart Tuttle

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